A Surprise Find (Ein) [COMPLETE]

[Ethereal-Star]

Zy'raxas was in her cave in the Kilanthro Mountains, idly going over the inventory of her large pile of treasure and entertaining herself by coming up with some interesting riddles. Zy'raxas did love riddles, after all the mental exercise was important for any kind of dragon worth their salt. Soon she decided to leave the cave in search of food. She remembered seeing a couple large tundra-dwelling boars and decided to go search for them to make them her next meal. 

With that thought in mind, she deactivated the trap that separated the cave entrance from the outside, and then exited her abode, resetting the trap back up as she did so, a pale blue shimmering wall of energy coming up to cover the entrance. The activation trigger for this trap was a mystery, one that Zy'raxas closely guarded. Such secrets she did not share with anyone, not even other dragons. If guessed at though, one could say the dragon drew upon some hidden magic hidden within the cave walls itself but that is just a theory at best. The crystal dragon was a reclusive sort anyways, preferring the quiet of her cave over a dragon colony, such as the one located amid the Western Highlands of Serendipity. She hadn't actually visited it herself, but news such as that was bound to travel to all dragons regardless of where in the world they were. Despite being a bit of a hermit, that is not to say she doesn't enjoy visits, both draconic and otherwise. As long as they came in peace that is. Zy'raxas knew how to fight, but she preferred intelligent conversations and challenging puzzles over needless bloodshed and violence. But sometimes a dragon does get lonely all by herself in a cave, having very few to talk to. The dragon had yet to find a mate of her own to have children. There seemed to be few crystal dragons in the world nowadays anyway. A pity.

She flew over the mountains soon coming to fly over the tundra itself nearing the village of Hyoite as she did, her mighty crystalline wings sweeping a large arc across the blueness of the sky. She was determined to find those boars she had seen earlier. Hopefully they were still around. Zy'raxas continued her flight, enjoying the freedom of soaring through the air when she noticed a small blueish shape on the ground far below. It appeared to be moving, albeit slowly.

Curious, the dragon swooped down lower to get a closer look. What she saw made her surprised, to say the least. The blue shape was a small dragon! It couldn't have been older than a few weeks at the very most. Such a young dragon should not be out and about like this, it opened the door to many terrible things to befall such a creature so young and unused to the harshness of the world and its many perils. Zy'raxas immediately took a liking to the baby dragon and felt an overwhelming need to protect it from harm. She landed not long after, in front of the small baby creature, but a good ways away so as not to accidentally frighten it. Here, she was able to get a closer look at the baby. It appeared to be a species of water dragon.

She slowly lumbered over to the poor thing, looked down upon her with both pity and a motherly sense of duty. "What have we here?" she stated in a deep, rumbling but still feminine voice. "A baby dragon? Where are your parents, little one? Shame on them for abandoning you!" Zy'raxas inched ever closer to the baby, at the same time gauging its reaction to the ancient dragon herself.

((There we go. Now Nyaa has a protector!))

[Ein]

Nyaa has spend the night in a little hollow. It was far and wide the only place that granted her at least a tiny little bit of protection. However it didn't help against the cold that comes with the darkness of the night and so her sleep was restless and also her hunger grew bigger with every day. She didn't know how long it has been now, that she was left alone. All she could remember was a warm place, allot more pleasantly than the Sionad Tundra.

The tiny dragon stretched its neck to look around. The barren plains didn't offer anything of interest, not even food only some giant-seeming creatures were wandering around this place from time to time. Some of them had a thick fur, others were going on two legs, but none of them noticed the little dragon and even if they did - Nyaa felt a little bit like the insects she hunts herself, when these big creatures where looking at her with greed in their eyes.

However now the Tundra seemed empty and safe so Nyaa hopped out of her little nest and looked around closer. She searched the ground for worms or any other kind of food and then - she actually found something! A beetle was crawling just a few steps away from her. Upon this sighting Nyaa was so happy and excited, that she totally forgot about her ability to spout out water. Instead of killing the beetle directly with a small beam of water she hopped to the beetle and caught it with her forelegs. Slowly and carefully she revealed the already dead insect and without further hesitation she ate it up in one gulp.

She sat down but instead of satisfaction she feeled even more hunger. It was than that she noticed a big shadow approaching. She looked with curiosity and was even more surprised as she didn't see any other being nearby. Just a second later she felt a strong wind, instinctively she closed her big eyes and cringed in fear as she realised, that she was no longer alone. When the wind was gone she opened her eyes but she couldn't believe what she was seeing. A gigantic beast that looked surprisingly familiar - even remembered her of herself - was standing in front of the baby dragon. She blinked, but it was still there looking at her with interest. She wasn't able to understand the words of this stranger, but she felt that this one was a friend. She answered the creature with a high-pitched birdlike sound: "Nyaa!", but when it approached even closer the little dragon cringed again. Pressing the little body against the could ground she looked up to the other dragon, fear and sorrow gleaming in her eyes and again she squeaked, "Nyaa!"

[Ethereal-Star]

Zy'raxas stopped her slow walk towards the baby dragon when she noticed its eyes filled with fear and also sorrow. She could only imagine with sympathy what this little creature had had to endure thus far in this harsh climate, with no one to watch over her and protect her. Drawing upon her own motherly instincts, even though Zy'raxas had never had children of her own before, yet the need to protect this little dragon was strong and so such instincts came quite naturally in that moment.

The dragon heard the high-pitched squeals of the baby, and from that Zy'raxas was able to gather that the tiny dragon was trying to tell the crystal dragon her name. "So, Nyaa, is it? Hmmmm..." the huge dragon thought for just a moment on how to best communicate with the tiny thing cowering before her.

Drawing also upon the generic bond between dragons everywhere no matter what their sub-species were, the ancient crystal dragon did her best to convey to the young one that she meant no harm and that she only wished to help. She promised a safe and warmer place to stay in, with all the food she could want that Zy'raxas herself would provide, as well as protection against harm to her being.

Zy'raxas thought of the pelt of fur she had acquired long ago from a somewhat large animal, a snow elk if she recalled correctly, that she had killed for its meat and using her sharp talons had pried off the fur as well, thinking it might be worth something. The pelt was too small for the ancient female dragon to rest on herself and she had little use for it anyway as she was immune to the cold completely. However, the pelt would be a perfect source of warmth for the little dragon to snuggle into and use whenever she wanted.

All this she conveyed to the baby dragon in mental pictures and feelings. After all images were the ultimate universal language, something everyone could understand. She looked expectantly at the baby, hoping to entice Nyaa to come with her back to her cave where she would from then on take care of her as if Nyaa were her very own child. It would be nice to have company again, the ancient dragon mused. It has been so long since she'd had such favorable company. And as Nyaa got older, Zy'raxas would teach her how to fend for herself, including hunting, flying and even some combat. Although that last one would be quite some time, the other two would come first obviously.

She hoped she was able to convince the little one to come with her, then from there she would carry the baby dragon in her massive talons back to her home cave in the Kilanthro Mountains.

[Ein]

Nyaa, who never met any other dragon in her yet short lifetime was more than just a little surprised, when all those wonderful images and feelings came to her mind. She could literally taste the meat, feel the warmth and the love the other dragon would provide her. In an instant both fear and sorrow were gone and Nyaa could look at the stranger with a completely new perspective. It was then, that the baby dragon realized how beautiful the friendly dragon was. Her body seemed to be made of semi transparent stones, which sparkled in the sunlight. She lifted her head and looked at the dragon curiously.

A moment later she was up on her feet and trotted towards her new protector. Since the crystal dragon was so tall Nyaa had no other choice but to climb on one of the big talons in order to snuggle against the other dragons leg. Again she released a now way more happy "Nyaa~". It was in fact the only sound the baby dragon could make, but still it seemed as the perfect name for the tiny creature.

[Ethereal-Star]

Zy'raxas felt a warmth in her heart as the baby dragon hopped onto one of her massive talons, ready to take off with the crystal dragon back to the promised cave. She bent her head down and told Nyaa "Now, hold on tight little one, the journey won't be too far now."

After making sure the water dragon was secure, Zy'raxas then lifted up into the air, and propelled herself and Nyaa into the sky above. The journey itself was fairly quick this time as Zy'raxas wanted to get the young one to safety. Soon the cave was in sight and the two landed in front of the cave entrance. Zy'raxas dealt with the magical trap that was blocking the entryway, disabling it so the two could go on in.

"Alright little Nyaa, follow me now. I will be back soon with some food for the both of us. In the meantime, the pelt over there is yours to sleep on." she indicated with her head the large white throw in the corner away from the brunt of the winds that were blowing in. She also made sure to tell the little dragon this in her mind as well, as Zy'raxas knew Nyaa was too young to have learned to speak yet.

The huge dragon watched Nyaa to make sure she got settled in first before she left to go hunt, putting the trap back in place which was now also to keep the young one safe as well. No intruders would be able to get in while she was gone and Nyaa would be safe.

After a final glance, Zy'raxas took off again to go find both their meals. She would return with enough meat for the two of them, plus a little extra.

[Ein]

As the crystal dragon spread her wings to take off, Nyaa pressed herself against the crystalline body in order to stay safe. When Zy'raxas gained height Nyaa couldn't resist and so she bend her neck to see the ground. The sight amazed her and so she also spread her wings to flap them a few times without actually lifting up herself. Sadly the flight was a very short one and soon the older dragon stopped in front a giant cave.

Nyaa hopped off and looked curiously at the shimmering wall that blocked the entrance. She understood that it was something the other dragon could control and so she waited until the wall was gone so she could follow Zy'raxas into the cave. The young dragon looked around quite excited. She looked over to the warm pelt the other dragon showed to her, but right now she couldn't even think of sleeping.

However she noticed soon that the crystal dragon wanted her to settle down and so she trotted over to the big piece of fur to lay down. Nonetheless she remained way to excited to sleep and so she just looked at the other dragon and waited for her to leave.

After she was gone Nyaa jumped up immediately only to run to the exit of the cave, where she could see the crystal dragon already flying away. She then turned around and started exploring her new home. Every inch of the cave had to be discovered by the baby dragon and it didn't take to long for her to find the treasure Zy'raxas held. It was by far the most beautiful thing she ever saw. All these golden coins and sparkling gemstones and so much more accumulated to a giant heap.

The rest of the time alone she spend playing with the treasure but as soon as she heard a noise from outside the cave she bolted to the entrance to welcome her new mother.

[Ethereal-Star]

Zy'raxas flew back towards her cave, her talons and jaw clutching her latest kills, food for both her and Nyaa. The crystal dragon hadn't found the two tundra boar as she had hoped, but something much better. Instead she found a rather large tundra-dwelling bison wandering the icy plains. Granted, she had had to travel a little further to find this, but the trip was well worth it and didn't take too much time. The dragon had also found and killed a couple rabbits that were scampering around nearby as well. Unleashing her breath attack of blinding light, she had stunned the animals and then seized that opportunity to make her moves. She made it quick for them, so it didn't require too much effort. The meat collected should be plenty for both her and her new found child.

Landing by the entrance she undid the trap and went in, closing it up behind her as if it were some kind of door, albeit a magical door. She promptly dropped her findings just a little ways from the entrance itself. "Alright Nyaa, there is enough for both of us. Help yourself to some food, I know you must be famished."

Zy'raxas patiently waited for the little dragon to start eating, before she herself dug in enjoying the succulent meats in front of them.

[Ein]

Nyaa hopped around Zy'raxas as she came in, squeaking "Nya! Nya!" and as soon as the fresh meat touched the ground she dashed to one of the rabbits in order to start eating. This was a little bit more difficult than Nyaa had expected it to bee. In fact the baby dragon had no teeth yet and so she had to rely on the strength of her jaw to rip of the soft fur of the rabbit. It was quite some work but it paid out; soon Nyaa could enjoy the pleasure of some warm and delicious flesh. Again she ripped of tiny pieces of meat so she was able to eat them in one single gulp. That was why, even though she just ate a single rabbit she finished eating just a little earlier than Zy'raxas.

The baby dragon was now covered in blood, which she tried to lick of with little success. So she trotted to the elder dragon and looked at her a little pleading.

[Ethereal-Star]

Zy'raxas was soon finished with her meal, and looked over to Nyaa noticing her blood-covered state from eating the rabbit. She chuckled, a low rumbling sound in her throat and promptly began to lick off all the blood from the little dragon, cleaning every last bit off.

The elder dragon then indicated with her head to the remaining rabbit, silently asking if Nyaa wanted to partake of the last bit of food. She tore off the fur from the rabbit with her claws, waiting to see if Nyaa would like some more to eat. The crystal dragon began to lick the blood off her talons from doing this last task while looking at Nyaa from her peripheral vision, inviting her to take the last bit of food left.

[Ein]

Nyaa enjoyed the gentle way Zy'raxas took care of her and made a noise similar to a purring kitten. She didn't know how to do so but she definitely wanted to show the other dragon her gratitude. After Xerox's had helped her to clean herself she nuzzled her cheek.

Nyaa watched her peeling of the skin of the rabbit and noticed her indication. She was literally stuffed but she didn't want to refuse the offer the other dragon had made and so she began to chow down the remaining food. However she stopped halfway through and for the first time in her life she felt like she couldn't eat even one more tiny little bit. It was then when she became really tired so she looked to the big pelt laying in another corner of the cave. She would have loved to curl up there but on the other hand she didn't want to be to far from Zy'raxas; the fear to be left alone again was way to big.

[Ethereal-Star]

After Nyaa had her fill of food, Zy'raxas finished off the rest of it. After all, it would be a waste to let the rest go uneaten and spoil. The ancient dragon noticed the little one's tiredness and also recognized Nyaa's need for company. So she gently nudged the water dragon to go sleep and made to follow her so the two would be resting side by side. Zy'raxas of course, would have to sleep next to the pelt as she was much too big for its small size and it was for Nyaa anyway.

Zy'raxas was more than happy to stay besides Nyaa as she got comfortable with her new home. It was a change for both of them, but a good change at that. Nyaa had a place to call home and someone to care for her, while Zy'raxas had someone to care for and a companion to share her cave with. The day was starting to come to a close, with evening soon approaching, the light within the cave starting to dim as the night drew ever nearer.

[Ein]

Happily the baby dragon follwed her mother to the big pelt. It was quite obvious that the crystal dragon itself couldn't sleep on it but Nyaa was relieved that she wouldn't have to sleep alone in the first night in her new home. She hopped on the piece of fur and tried to find the perfect spot to sleep on it. Eventually she found it after circling around a little and settled down.

She then looked up to the elder dragon and waited for her to lay down next to her so she could nestle against her. A little later she yawned loudly and just a few seconds later Nyaa was already sleeping peacefully.

[Ethereal-Star]

Zy'raxas settled down next to little Nyaa and watched with amusement as the little dragon yawned tiredly. Pretty soon, the water dragon baby had fallen asleep next to the crystal dragon who watched over her lovingly. She nuzzled Nyaa's head a little, before she too began to relax comfortably. The night came and passed uneventfully, except for the wind blowing outside and the occasional hoot of an owl that flew by the cave.

Soon, morning came around, its soft yellow light getting brighter with each passing hour. Zy'raxas was already up and about, but still watching over Nyaa. She hummed to herself an old draconic tune that her mother from long ago had sang to her when she was young. How many years had passed since then, the elder dragon did not know for sure. Just that it had been many many centuries. The song had always been a favorite of hers. She would be ready to find the two of them breakfast but she didn't want to leave Nyaa alone until the young one herself had woken up.

So the ancient dragon continued tidying up the cave, adjusting some paintings in the treasure stash, and others that were hanging from the walls of the cave. A small whitish-gray crystal that protruded from the ground glistened in the morning light and showed Zy'raxas partially in its reflection. She continued to hum, waiting for Nyaa to awaken.

[Ein]

Nyaa woke up hearing that unknown but not unpleasing tone. Her fins wiggled as she yawned and after blinking a few times she was able to look around to spot the origin of this foreign melody. She was a little bit surprised to see, that it was her mother Zy'raxas who hummed while adjusting some paintings. The tiny dragon rose to her feet and while running towards the other dragon she tried to mimic her humming. The high voice wasn't as pleasing as Zy'raxas' but the little dragon tried its best to show its enthusiasm, even if the result was rather arrhythmical: "Nyaa~YaayanYa~"

[Ethereal-Star]

Chuckling, Zy'raxas turned her head to see the little baby dragon running up to her trying to mimic the song she was humming. "I see you are up little one." The ancient dragon adjusted one last painting before saying, "I hope you slept well. I shall go fetch us some breakfast for the two of us now that you are awake. I won't be long, I promise."

Zy'raxas bent her neck down and nuzzled Nyaa's head real quick before exiting the cave and spreading her wings to take off in flight to the tundra below to go procure them some food.

It was the beginning of a beautiful relationship between mother and daughter. Zy'raxas planned to teach her new found daughter everything she would need to know to survive, including flying and hunting. But first she had to wait until Nyaa were old enough. Until then, Zy'raxas would provide Nyaa the necessary food, shelter and love. It would be a couple years later before Nyaa were ready to start learning. For now, the crystal dragon would act as both mother and protector to the little dragon, keeping her safe from harm. It had been ages since Zy'raxas had had longtime company, so it was a change for both of them. But a good one at that.

((End of this 'chapter' and onto the next!))